Patent GB-201487-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in methods of and apparatus for separating the contents from the shellsof eggs
IPC: A47J43/14
Filed: 1922-12-19
Abstract: 201,487. White, A. E., (Egg Machinery Co., Inc.). Dec. 19, 1922. Eggs, opening, and separating and collecting contents of.-In a machine for this purpose, the eggs are fed individually and major axis vertical by a conveyer A to a hopper B opening into a feed-tube 9 in which the shells are slit by saws D, and then gravitate in a column through a slotted, rotary member E whereby the albumen, ejected by centrifugal force, passes to a jacket F and collects in a receptacle P, and the shells containing the yolks, after passing through a gate G synchronized with egg-receiving cups H on an endless conveyer J, are topped by a saw 41 whereby the yolks are discharged into a receiver N and the shells into a receiver 0. The rotation of the saws D and the member E may be stopped, the receiver N then re-ceiving both the albumen and yolks. The eggs are placed in a supply box 5 and projections 6 on the conveyer A position individual eggs between guides 7, a safety-member 8 ensuring a gentle delivery to the hopper B. Opposed resiliently mounted rollers C, on shafts 10 driven from the main shaft 2, project through the feedtube 9, receive the eggs and position them for the slitting-saws D which are guarded and are resiliently mounted on spring - controlled levels, are driven from the gearing 14, 15 by flexible shafts 13, and are provided with shrouds which regulate the depth of penetration. The teeth of the saws D and 41 are interrupted to ensure an initial bite into the shells. The rotor E has three longitudinal springs 21 secured at the upper ends to the rotor and provided with adjusting- means 22 at the lower ends. Modified egg-holding means comprise staggered strips or metal bristles. The gate G comprises fingers 28, 31, Fig. 7, mounted on opposed, spring-returned rockers 29 pivoted at 30. The egg passing from the rotor E is supported by the upper fingers 28 until cross bars 33 on the conveyer J actuate an arm 32 which opens and closes the fingers '28 and 31 respectively. The egg being now positioned between the fingers is allowed to fall into a cup H by the opening of the fingers 31, the closing of the fingers 28 retaining the next egg. A trip arm 34 is synchronously operated by a boss 35 and opens the egg-clamp 36 secured to the cup. The machine is timed to insert an egg in the hopper 13 as an egg drops through the gate G. The top-removing saw 41 is mounted on a beltdriven, vertically slidable shaft 42, rormally pressed down by a spring 48. An egg-engaging, regulating device 47 mounted on an arm 46 precedes the saw 41, moves the shaft 42 and ensures the removal of the proper amount of shell. The saw 41 may be inclined to the horizontal and the action of the saw-shaft and regulator may be damped to prevent too rapid action of the spring 48. The empty shells are liberated by tripping the clamps 36 over the receiver O. The rotor is connected by a bayonet joint 19 to the driving-base 20 having a gear-wheel 26 which may be connected with the pinion 15 on the motor-driven, main shaft 2, by raising the idler 14 by a clutch-collar 25. The cover 16 of the jacket F is slidably secured to the upright 17 and by swinging up the hopper B the feed-tube 9 and rotor E may be removed. In a modification, the eggs are fed direct to the hopper B by a conveyer which passes from, and through the wall of, a darkened egg-testing room.